If you went to work today and sat in a gray cubicle, or were surrounded by endless white walls, chances are your mood matched the color of your environment. Bland, cold colors in the workplace could leave us feeling sullen instead of inspired. Adding vibrant paint schemes or accents is not only aesthetically pleasing, but capable of boosting mood, morale and productivity.

If your facility is in need of some refreshing tones, here’s what you should consider (and avoid).

Stay Calm and Blue On

If you’re aiming for a soothing work environment, blue is for you. It’s often hailed as one of the most effective colors to use in the workplace. Its calming appearance is ideal for encouraging communication, trust and efficiency. Creative types also enjoy the positive impact it has on their productivity. Blue could inspire employees to open their minds, think beyond the norm, and engage in more effective brainstorming sessions.

Innovation Comes From Green

Green is known as an inspiring color. Consider applying it in environments where innovation and collaboration are encouraged. It’s also relaxing, especially for those who work long hours. It’s easy on the eyes and helps employees stay calm and efficient.

Yellow for the Eternal Optimist

Yellow, the color of optimism, is known for its stimulating effects. It’s another strong choice for artistic environments. Designers, writers, and other creatives could feel more motivated and produce high-quality work faster in a yellow environment. It’s also reminiscent of sunlight, which could evoke feelings of happiness and warmth.

Keep in mind that applying too much of this color could be problematic. An abundance of yellow could induce anxiety, temper outbursts, or eye strain, so use it with caution.

If It Needs Attention, Paint It Red

Red is probably the most powerful color when it comes to evoking response, making it ideal in areas involving physical work. Red could increase heart rate and blood flow while reiterating warnings or hazards. It’s also capable of generating strong feelings of excitement. Because it’s so potent, red is best used as an accent instead of a primary color.

Steer Clear of Gloomy Gray

Gray may be a safe choice for many employers, but it’s also not always wise. Gray is symbolic of dreariness, hibernation and even depression. Saturating your office in it could have a detrimental impact on your employees’ confidence and mood. If this is true of your current work area, think about offsetting it with the colors mentioned above.

Where You Work Makes a Difference

Applying the right colors is dependent on where you work. Most employers want their employees and visitors to feel comfortable and relaxed, so blue and green are preferable for most work environments. White may be bland, but it works well in sterile facilities like labs and hospitals. Red works best as an accent, but can also be used as a main color where people don’t often linger. Having it in lounges or hallways can enhance that area's aesthetics.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Color

Sure, most employees would prefer a holiday bonus or a gift card to a trendy eatery. But adding some flair to the workplace is also a great way to keep spirits high. Inspire your team with splashes of blue, green and yellow, or stir their professional passions with shades of red. Spruce up the dullness and enjoy the pleasant reactions from employees and visitors.

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